Week of

 Need Support Now for 100% Clean Economy Act 

Legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on Nov. 21 proposing a goal that the US achieve a 100% clean economy by 2050. This legislation (HR 5221 would mitigate the worst impacts of climate change, transition the US to cleaner sources of energy, and emphasize the goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050.  The Act calls for federal action to improve environmental outcomes especially for low-income and rural communities, communities of color, and other communities dramatically impacted by climate change. To date, the bill has 161 co-sponsors who have signed. Please check the web page below to see if your Congressperson has signed on.  Post a thank you on your Congressperson’s website or send an ask to co-sponsor if your Congress person isn’t listed. If not now, when? https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5221/cosponsors?r=30&s=

The Lord Hears the Cry of the Migrant 

Our General Chapter reminded us “to do whatever is possible within each province to support with prayer and specific actions to help alleviate the plight of the suffering immigrants in today’s world - for example, sponsoring a family.”  Sr. Mary Edward and the Council have agreed to adopt a refugee family through the amazing immigration work Sr. Graciela is doing. The family is from the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been waiting in Uganda for refugee status to come to the US.  Jolie is a single mother with 4 children, ages 12, 5 (twins) and 4.  They, have many basic needs and Sr.Marlene and I will work with Sr. Graciela to help meet some of those needs with community resources.  For the moment we will be purchasing gift cards for stores nearby where Jolie can buy clothes and shoes for her children as well as some gifts for Christmas.  Our community has pledged $250. to start with to buy gift cards. If any mission house would like to help you can send a donation to Sr. Marlene and indicate “ the Mbabazi family fund”.  Thank you for your generosity to help our newly adopted family!

This Week We Remember and Pray…. 

Dec.18 | International Migrants Day: 
https://educationforjustice.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Prayer-for-Migrants_0.pdf

Dec. 21 |  Winter Solstice (see prayer below) 

Dec.22-30 | Hanukkah  
Let us pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters who suffer from hate crimes. 

 A Winter Solstice Prayer  

The dark shadow of space leans over us. . . . .

We are mindful that the darkness of greed, exploitation, and hatred also lengthens its shadow over our small planet Earth.

As our ancestors feared death and evil and all the dark powers of winter. We fear that the darkness of war, discrimination, and selfishness may doom us and our planet to an eternal winter.

May we find hope in the lights we have kindled on this sacred night; hope in one another and in all who form the web-work of peace and justice that spans the world.

In the heart of every person on this Earth burns the spark of luminous goodness; In no heart is there total darkness.

May we who celebrate this winter solstice by our lives and service, by our prayers and love, call forth from one another the light and the love that is hidden in every heart. Amen. --Ed Hayes